Fuel Smarts

Drug Tests Will Leave A Permanent Mark in Oregon

Truckers who test positive for drugs are going to have a harder time getting back behind the wheel in Oregon.

Legislation scheduled to go into effect October 1 will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to record a driver’s positive drug or alcohol test on his or her CDL record.According to Bob Russell, Director of Government Affairs for the Oregon Trucking Association, the bill will also require trucking companies to either have an in-house drug testing program or belong to a drug testing consortium when they register their vehicles with the state. Also in the bill are increased penalties if companies don’t comply with Federal Drug Administration requirements.Russell says the law, passed in July 1999, was originally supposed to take effect on March 1, but due to delays, the implementation date was postponed.